Affordable Bariatric Surgery: Insurance, Lantern & Self-Pay
Bariatric Surgery Is Affordable-And Often Cheaper Than GLP-1 Medications
Many people are surprised to learn that bariatric surgery is more affordable than long-term GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications such as Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, or Mounjaro. Not only does surgery lead to greater weight loss and improvement of obesity-related diseases, but it is also more cost-effective over time.
Bariatric Surgery vs. GLP-1 Medications: Which Costs More?
A recent study of 30,000 insured patients compared costs:
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14,000 had bariatric surgery
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16,000 used GLP-1 medications
Total Cost Over 2 Years
| Treatment | 2-Year Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Bariatric Surgery | ~ $14,500-48,000 |
| GLP-1 Medications | ~ $24,000-63,000 |
GLP-1 medications cost approximately $12,000 MORE, and because they must be taken long-term, costs continue to rise every year.
Surgery = One Procedure, Long-Term Benefits
Bariatric surgery may have a higher upfront cost, but unlike GLP-1 medications, it:
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Does not require lifelong dosing
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Produces more durable, effective weight loss
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Reduces long-term healthcare costs by improving diabetes, blood pressure, sleep apnea, and more
Conclusion: Bariatric surgery is both MORE effective and LESS expensive than long-term GLP-1 therapy.
3 Most Affordable Ways to Pay for Bariatric Surgery
1. Traditional Health Insurance
Most patients use standard insurance plans such as:
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Blue Cross Blue Shield
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Aetna
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United Healthcare
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Cigna
Typical Insurance Requirements
To be covered, most insurance plans require:
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BMI 27 and higher in certain populations with an obesity-related condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.)
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BMI 35–40 with an obesity-related condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.)
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BMI ≥ 40 may not require an additional condition
However, meeting criteria alone is not enough.
Your policy must also include bariatric surgery benefits, and some plans do not cover bariatric surgery at all.
Possible Insurance Requirements:
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1–12 month waiting period
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Nutritionist or dietitian visits
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Primary care or psychological evaluation
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Preoperative testing
Limitations of Traditional Insurance
Some plans restrict procedure type.
Example: Many BCBS plans do not cover SADI-S (loop duodenal switch) even when it is the best clinical option.
Still, thousands of patients successfully obtain coverage through traditional insurance every year—our office guides patients through the entire process.
2. Employer Direct Benefits (Lantern & Transcarent)-Often FREE For Patients
This is the best and most affordable option when available.
Companies like Lantern (formerly SurgeryPLUS) and Transcarent offer added benefits on top of traditional insurance.
Major Advantages:
✔ Surgery is often 100% FREE for the patient
✔ No deductibles or co-pays
✔ No waiting periods
✔ Surgery is chosen based on patient & surgeon decision—not insurance restrictions
✔ Travel costs are covered if the approved specialist is in another city
✔ Fewer required medical clearances
Many people don’t even realize they have this benefit.
Companies Frequently Offering Lantern or Transcarent:
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Apple
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Home Depot
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Target
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State Farm
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Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott
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And many more
Check your insurance card for Lantern or Transcarent — it could make bariatric surgery completely FREE.
Why These Plans Choose Select Surgeons
Lantern and Transcarent only partner with surgeons and hospitals who:
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Use the most advanced bariatric techniques
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Have excellent complication rates
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Provide outstanding outcomes
Dr. Cribbins and Dr. Chen are proud Lantern and Transcarent surgeons, and have helped thousands of patients access surgery through these benefits.
3. Self-Financed Bariatric Surgery
Patients who do not have insurance coverage, or who want surgery quickly, can self-pay.
Even without insurance, surgery can still be affordable.
Benefits of Self-Pay:
- No waiting periods
- Any bariatric procedure can be chosen — no insurance restrictions
- Same high-level care, same accredited hospitals
- Multiple financing/payment plans available (including CareCredit & Cherry)
IMPORTANT:
We never perform bariatric surgery at outpatient facilities.
Every self-financed patient receives surgery in a full hospital, Center of Excellence — just like insured patients.
Final Takeaway: Bariatric Surgery Is Affordable — and Cheaper Than GLP-1 Medications
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GLP-1 medications cost more over time
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Bariatric surgery provides better weight loss, better health, and lower long-term costs
Patients can access surgery through:
- Traditional insurance
- Employer benefits like Lantern or Transcarent
- Self-pay with financing options
Ready to Get Started?
Talk to your surgeon or contact our office to review:
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Your insurance benefits
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Whether you have Lantern or Transcarent
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Self-pay pricing and financing options
We believe every patient deserves access to the life-changing, affordable treatment that bariatric surgery provides.
